The majestic and monumental architectural complex of Martha includes the royal palace, monastery and basilica. It was built in the Baroque style on the orders of King John V in fulfillment of a promise made to the Franciscan monks that he would build a monastery for them if their prayers would help him get the long-awaited heirs. Famous European masters of sculpture and painting were invited to work on the palace, and huge funds received from the colonies were also spent. The palace is often compared with the Spanish palace-monastery Escorial - and this is not surprising, because the Portuguese king Joã o V wanted to build a more majestic and luxurious complex than in Spain.→